The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Decatur, IL for 2023

Decatur is the largest city in Macon County, with a population of 70,746. An estimated 19.7% of its residents are in the 65+ age group, lured by Decatur’s small-town feel and low cost of living. It’s also a place where seniors can experience a range of modern and historical cultural activities, such as visiting the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum, which combines both, and the Wabash Depot Antique Centre, a stunning example of classical revival architecture that’s earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Assisted living can be a good option for seniors who no longer can handle daily tasks easily, such as personal care, but are reluctant to give up their independence. The facilities offer clean and comfortable homes, 24/7 supervision, and meals prepared by chefs, while the residents are free to spend their time as they wish. Seniors can expect monthly costs in the region of $4,629 for an assisted living placement, a figure that’s about 7.4% above the national average of $4,300.

This guide considers assisted living costs in more detail, reviews the pros and cons of living in Decatur and lists some free resources for its seniors.

The Division of Assisted Living, which forms part of the Illinois Department of Public Health, has overall responsibility for ensuring standards are adhered to by Decatur’s assisted living facilities. Its work includes making unannounced visits and inspections. The division has the authority to issue licenses and revoke them from facilities that continually breach standards of care.

• Although Illinois is ranked #19 for the cost of living, this doesn’t apply to Decatur, which offers seniors a more favorable financial climate. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the U.S. cost of living index is 100, while Decatur’s is a much lower 69.3. Although health costs are above-average, these are offset by much lower transportation, housing and grocery costs than those experienced by the typical American. 
• The property and violent crime rates in Decatur are above the national and state averages. However, according to Neighborhood Scout, crime tends to be concentrated in the city center and northeast districts. Additionally, assisted living facilities typically provide 24/7 security, so seniors should feel safe.
• Seniors in Decatur can expect to encounter approximately five inches of snowfall per month between December and February and temperatures averaging at 22 degrees Fahrenheit. However, highs of around 86 degrees in the summer months are common, while temperatures in the other months are also comfortable for seniors.
• There are two hospitals within the city limits, including the well-regarded Decatur Memorial Hospital, ranked as high-performing in four procedures by U.S. News & World Report. According to Doctor.com, there are also 117 Medicare registered physicians, including family doctors, surgeons and dermatologists. In addition to its own medical facilities, seniors in Decatur are only 45 minutes from the excellent hospitals in Springfield.
• Decatur’s cultural attractions are many, such as Milliken Place, a series of architecturally significant homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his assistants. There’s also Kirkland Fine Arts Center, home to the Milliken University Orchestra. Nelson Park is possibly the most visited location in the city. Picnics on its beautiful lawns are popular, as are the dog park and the frequent shows performed at the 3,200 seat Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.
• Subsidized transportation for seniors in Decatur is limited. However, for a suggested donation of $5 per ride, the Empowerment Opportunity Center can take seniors on shopping trips and to medical appointments.

The Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows the average cost for seniors residing in assisted living communities in Decatur is $4,629 per month. This is above the typical costs paid by their peers across Illinois and the U.S., where average fees are $4,575 and $4,300, respectively.

Although Decatur’s average costs of $4,629 are above the state average, they may be more attractive to budget-conscious seniors who want to retire in this part of Illinois. Approximately 45 minutes west of Decatur, seniors in Springfield’s nursing homes typically pay $4,860 per month for their care. About 70 minutes north in Bloomington, costs jump to $4,968. However, more affordable care is available in Champaign, where costs average at $4,163.

Despite assisted living providing accommodation and care, its costs of $4,629 are below the $4,671 paid for home health care services (although home care costs are lower, at $4,433). The survey doesn’t record adult day care costs for Decatur, but the state average is $1,636. Nursing home care is the most costly, with a typical semiprivate room averaging $6,388 and a private room at $7,300. 

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Illinois page.